Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris

Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature with our Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees. Located right in the centre of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is a must-see when visiting the French capital. Steeped in history and culture with …

How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. The 80th anniversary of D-Day next week marks a significant milestone in the remembrance of one of World War II’s most critical events. June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy—the day in …

Where to go in Paris to escape the Olympics: ten hidden gems and tranquil retreats

Where to go in Paris to escape the Olympics: ten hidden gems and tranquil retreats

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Where to go in Paris to escape the Olympics: ten hidden gems and tranquil retreats by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the Olympics are taking place in Paris this summer. Perhaps you’re one of the few …

The Best Places to Visit in April 2024

The Best Places to Visit in April 2024

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in April 2024, by Hannah REES. As spring blossoms around the world, April beckons with the promise of mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and a perfect window for travel. If you’re planning your next getaway in April 2024, consider visiting one …

The Best Places to Visit in March 2024

The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations, by Hannah REES. With the first sunny days already here and spring just around the corner, March is the perfect month to travel. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer and for …

5 of the best resorts for expert skiers

5 of the best resorts for expert skiers in 2024

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to 5 of the best resorts for expert skiers in 2024. If you’ve been skiing for a few years in a row, there’s no need to return to the beginner slopes. Both in Europe and across the globe, there are world-class ski resorts ready to offer …

12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to 12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023. Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled wine, delicious pastries, midnight masses in gothic churches, Christmas wishlists, candle-lit evenings spent with family and friends, and of course – Christmas Markets. From …

3 adventurous activities to do in France

3 adventurous activities to do in France

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to 3 adventurous activities to do in France. Whether it’s summer or winter, France always has the best terrain for outdoor activities. Boasting a diverse landscape including tall mountains and rolling hills, it’s an adrenaline enthusiast’s dream location. From skiing ventures in the Alps to rafting …

12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.

Hi and Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe. As soon as Summer is over and the leaves start to fall and the evenings start to draw in, my thoughts immediately turn to Christmas. Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled …

Chantilly castle

Chantilly Revisited – the gardens and the flower exhibition

This post is taken in the same place as my previous post, and specifically in the grounds of the castle of Chantilly. If you remember, I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train), and I promised to share …